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Spring Cleaning and Cats - Re-Post

Now that spring is just around the corner, some of you might be
itching to do the traditional Spring Cleaning, usually a good thing.
But your cats may not think so:
Liquid Lysol (or any phenol-based disinfecting cleaner): Harmful or
fatal to cats of all sizes from Tigers to domestics in any
concentration including residue for several days after application.
This cleaner should not even be in the same county as a cat, much less
your residence.

Pine-Oil based cleaners (containing Terpenes): As above, but very
slightly less toxic and not toxic if rinsed and fully dry. If you can
keep your cats away from areas cleaned with these materials for a full
24 hours they may be used with great caution. They are better just
avoided. If you are on a septic system and a well, just don't use them
at all.

Cleaners containing Triclosan: There is mixed information in the
literature about this compound - suffice it to say that it is now
being found in Human mother's milk, is persistent (does not break down
natually) and causes thyroid complications when tested on rats. There
are many alternatives as well.

Bleach, alcohol-based compounds and Ammonia (not all together, of
course): About the best general cleaners available when combined with
appropriate detergents and the dangerous compounds in them are highly
volatile, objectionable to cats and not persistent. Windex contains
alcohol and ammonia, Clorox contains bleach for two examples. If your
cats have a normal sense of smell (for them), they will avoid these
compounds naturally if they are in sufficient concentration to be
harmful.

Murphy's Soaps, Dr. Bronner's Soaps and similar: Good if used as
directed. Not terribly strong which may be a good thing.

Petroleum-based waxes (Butcher's Paste Wax, many car-waxes): Keep cats
away for at least 12 hours after application to allow the hydrocarbons
to evaporate. Or use a water-based product.

House Paints (Oil and Latex): Keep cats away during application and
for 24 hours until fully cured. True also of all non-water-based
caulks, glues, stains and varnishes.

Broad-spectrum Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers: Nearly every one
of these compounds is toxic to cats in one way or another and must be
used with great caution indoors and out - or not at all if possible.